Spotify is set to launch a new direct messaging feature that lets users share songs, podcasts, and audiobooks without leaving the app. The feature, called Messages, will begin rolling out in select markets this week and will be accessible on mobile for both Free and Premium subscribers aged 16 and up.
To use the feature, listeners can tap the share icon on the Now Playing screen, select a friend, and send content directly. Users can message people within the same Spotify plan or those they’ve previously interacted with through features like Jams, Blends, or Collaborative Playlists.
All shared content will appear in a dedicated Messages inbox, located under the profile icon in the top-left corner of the app, making it easier to revisit past recommendations. Spotify says the system supports one-on-one text chats, emoji reactions, and industry-standard encryption to protect conversations.
The company notes that users will have control over their inbox. They can accept or decline message requests, block unwanted contacts, or turn off Messages entirely. In addition, users can report inappropriate content or accounts, while Spotify will automatically scan for illegal or harmful material and review flagged chats.
For now, it’s uncertain if artist accounts will also have access to the feature to engage directly with fans. Spotify clarified that Messages is designed to complement existing social platforms like Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, and TikTok rather than replace them.
By making Messages available even to Free-tier listeners, Spotify signals a potential move toward building stronger social interactions within the app — a feature that could reshape how recommendations and community engagement happen on the platform.
